Guzmán was born in Cartago, Costa Rica, in 1801 into a landowning family.

[2] That year Malespín invaded Nicaragua and left the capital to command the army in person and handed over power to Guzmán.

Guzmán conducted a coup against Malespín on 2 February 1845 and was joined by the greater part of the inhabitants of the capital, and a portion of the general's small army.

They deposed Malespin and Guzmán assumed the executive office till the end of the presidential term.

[3] Guzmán was several times elected to the legislative assembly, the council of state, and the prefecture of the department where he resided.